Easy Next Steps to Take:
1. Copy one item from each of the sections below, then paste into the box at the bottom of the page
2. Use the links in the right column to find your local newspaper’s online Letter to the Editor contact
3. Paste your completed message into the paper’s letter-to-the-editor form or contact email

Our position: The reality of the American health care system has not changed. People with pre-existing conditions still can’t obtain health insurance. Parents of special needs children still can’t access the services they need. Small business owners still can’t afford skyrocketing insurance premiums to protect their employees, working families are still facing financial ruin due to medical debt, and millions of Americans remain uninsured. The fight for health care reform must continue.

(Note: You can use this text as either the opening or the conclusion of your letter.)

Part 1 – The Problem

The American people are frustrated at the lack of action in passing reform caused by continuing obstructionist policies of the GOP and by a few Democrats.

The issues have not changed. Today, people with pre-existing conditions still cannot obtain health insurance. Parents of special needs children are still unable to access needed services. Small business owners still can’t afford exorbitant insurance premiums for their employees, hard working families still face financial ruin due to medical debt, and millions of Americans remain uninsured.

If we don’t succeed in passing health reform now, tens of millions of current uninsured Americans and tens of millions of us will continue to get the shaft in the coming years. We cannot wait another 15 years to push this fight again or allow the opposition to enact their reform.
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Part 2 – The Solution

We need leaders willing to take on insurance companies, by setting clear, high standards for what’s covered and preventing them from requiring patients to jump through hoops just to get insured.

The American people know that doing nothing is not an option and is unsustainable for Illinios families and small businesses.

CBHC and our members call on those Illinois members of congress who voted yes last November, to take a public stand and demand that they will do everything they can to pass reform.

There is still a strong majority of Senators who support health care reform in Washington, even a plan with a robust public option. The Senate as well as the House must use the legislative vehicles available to them to enact health care reform.
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Part 3 – The Conclusion

Health care reform is the key to economic security and opportunity for American families.

CBHC and our members call on those Illinois members of congress who voted yes last November, to take a public stand and demand that they will do everything they can to pass reform.

The current path is unsustainable and we’re all paying the price—we have to fix this problem now.

The reality of the American health care system has not changed. The fight for health care reform must continue. (Don’t use as your closing if you already used this in your opening.)
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Restate your position: Use data or numbers that support your position, or briefly summarize any personal experience you have that causes you to take this position on the argument.

For example…

This system is unsustainable and we need to fix it right now, or it will just get worse and more expensive.

Recent reports show that without significant reform measures, health insurance premiums for Illinois families will double by 2016.

Paste the parts of your letter into the box below.Reminder: most papers limit Letters to the Editor to 150 words, so please keep your comments within that limit.^Back to top

Enter the text of your letter here (150 words or less):

Help us track your letters! Send a copy of your letter to Kathleen Duffy at kduffy@cbhconline.org. Please include the name of the newspaper and the date you sent the letter.